UPDATE: By around 1.30pm, the northbound carriageway of the M5 had re-opened following the fire.

A Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “The fire is out but the vehicles on the bottom tier of the transporter are having their temperatures monitored to ensure they are safe to be moved and recovered.

“The northbound carriageway is open, and the southbound carriageway is still closed.”

SOMERSET firefighters have been involved in tackling a car transporter on fire – which has closed the M5.

The incident, which was reported at around 6.40am, has closed the motorway in both directions between junctions 28 and 29.

Fire crews from Bridgwater, Taunton and Martock were among those sent to the scene.

Others were from Cullompton, Torquay, Danes Castle, Honiton, Tiverton, and Middlemoor.

“On arrival, a car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles was fully involved in fire,” a Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“We currently have six appliances and two water bowsers in attendance, and crews have made good progress to tackle the fire and prevent it from escalating.

“Only a small fire involving cars on the top deck remains.

“Both northbound and southbound carriages are currently closed.”

Devon & Cornwall Police said diversion routes were in place as traffic built up around the motorway.

“Diversion routes are in place however the incident has resulted in significant traffic issues and we advise motorists to avoid the area,” a spokesperson said.

“Police, the fire service and Highways England remain at the scene and the incident is ongoing.”

National Highways South West said: “A car transporter carrying electric vehicles has caught fire, Devon & Cornwall Fire and Rescue are at scene and the road has been closed while they tackle the fire.

“Devon & Cornwall Police and emergency services are on scene being assisted by National Highways traffic Officers.”

Diversion routes

• Road users heading south are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs:
• Exit the M5 southbound at J28 and turn right at the traffic light controlled junction to join the A373
• At the roundabout, head straight over and join the B3181 (Station Road)
• Continue southbound on the B3181, passing through Cullompton, Westcott, Budlake (running parallel to the M5) and Broadclyst until the junction with Cumberland Way
• Join Cumberland Way southbound and then at the next roundabout continue straight over onto Moor Lane
• Continue southbound to then re-join the M5 at J30
• Road users heading north are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on road signs:
• Exit the M5 northbound at J29
• Turn right and join the A30 and continue to the next roundabout
• At the roundabout, turn right and continue northbound on Ambassador Drive/Cumberland way until the junction with the B3181
• Join the B3181 (Main Road) and continue northbound towards Cullompton
• Pass through Cullompton, and then re-join the M5 northbound at J28

“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time,” the spokesperson added. “Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”